BUCKLAND IN BLOOM: A SPRING CELEBRATION ACROSS OUR HOMES
There’s something magical about a garden in bloom Whether it’s the burst of spring tulips, the soft scent of lavender, or the pride in a well-tended hanging basket our homes across Buckland Care embraced every petal and planting pot during Buckland in Bloom. This seasonal celebration brought residents, team members, families, and friends together to transform outdoor spaces with colour, creativity, and care.
Each of our homes has been busy getting stuck into a variety of spring-themed activities – from pot painting and planting bulbs to friendly gardening competitions and outdoor projects It’s been wonderful to see so many of our residents getting involved, whether they’re seasoned green thumbs or just enjoy a good cuppa in the sunshine surrounded by flowers
Several homes kicked things off with a fun and creative pot-painting session With brushes in hand and plenty of vibrant paints, residents across our homes designed their own unique plant pots After a couple of days to let them dry, they planted a variety of bulbs – and now we wait, excitedly watching for the first signs of growth We can’t wait to see them bloom into a rainbow of colour over the coming weeks!
Scan the QR code to watch a short video montage of our Buckland in Bloom celebrations, showcasing joyful moments and colourful creations from across our homes!
At Mulberry House, the team has gone above and beyond Residents have enjoyed a friendly potting competition, getting their hands dirty and showcasing their gardening flair A huge thank you goes to Reece from R&R Roses in Bovey Tracey for his incredibly generous donation of rose bushes, assorted plants, hanging baskets and seeds. Your kindness has brought so much joy and promise to the garden.
The Orchards also made the most of the sunshine with a wonderful outdoor celebration. Residents spent the afternoon planting vibrant flowers, enjoying sweet treats and homemade lemonade, and dancing to live music from the talented local singer, Claire
The event was topped off with a fabulous raffle, and the garden was filled with smiles, laughter and a true sense of community spirit
At Kingland House, the team embraced spring with an afternoon of colour, creativity and connection Residents decorated flowerpots with cheerful designs before planting them with vibrant blooms The garden was filled with conversation and nostalgia as everyone shared favourite flowers and gardening memories – a heart-warming reminder of how enjoyable gardening can be when shared together
Buckland in Bloom is about more than just plants –it’s about growing memories, friendships and pride in our shared spaces Our residents can’t wait to enjoy the sunshine, potter around the gardens and watch their hard work flourish. Warmer days are coming… and we’re so ready for them!
Staff and residents from The Orchards planting spring blooms together for Buckland in Bloom
LOVE, LAUGHTER & BLOOMS: A SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY
Mother’s Day was as special as ever across all our Buckland Care homes this year, as we came together to celebrate the amazing mums, grandmothers, and mother figures who mean so much to us all.
Each home marked the occasion in their own unique way, creating special moments and lasting memories. At Kingland House, residents spent a lovely afternoon flower arranging, filling the home with vibrant blooms and creativity. The activity brought smiles all around and gave families a chance to join in, share stories, and enjoy quality time together
Over at Hartwell Lodge, it was all about indulgence with a beautifully presented Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea. Residents were treated to scones, cakes, and delicious treats served from our vintage cake carts accompanied by laughter, conversation, and warm cups of tea.
From small gestures to special gatherings, the day was a true reflection of what we at Buckland Care value most: meaningful connection and family togetherness for those we care for Whether it was a daughter spending time with her mum or three generations sharing a smile, our homes were filled with love, laughter, and celebration
Mothers and daughters enjoy afternoon tea at Hartwell Lodge
Kingland House residents displaying their beautiful bouquet arrangements
Hartwell Lodge celebration drinks cart
The Firs ladies being treated to some sweet treats on Mother’s Day
ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS ACROSS OUR HOMES
– SLÁINTE!
There was plenty of laughter, music, and a little Irish magic in the air yesterday as our homes got into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day. From toetapping tunes to hearty Irish treats, it’s safe to say the craic was mighty!
At Inglefield, residents tucked into rich Irish stew, slices of coffee and Baileys cake, and – of course –a drop of Guinness to wash it all down The afternoon was spent enjoying the iconic Riverdance, with Michael Flatley showing us all how it’s done!
Mulberry House had their dancing shoes on as entertainer Paul Heath brought a real party atmosphere The music had everyone clapping, singing, and dancing along – pure delight from start to finish
Meanwhile, over at The Orchards, it was time to test those Irish slang skills with a fun-filled guessing game, followed by performances from Riverdance and the ever-charming Daniel O’Donnell There may have been a cheeky sip of Guinness too
Kingland joined in the celebrations by trying a taste of Guinness and discovering some fun and fascinating facts about the history of St Patrick’s Day – a great way to mark the occasion and get conversations flowing
And at Hartwell, it was smiles all round as residents embraced the spirit of the Emerald Isle with games, music, and lots of good cheer
A big thank you to all our teams for making the day so special Until next year
Kingland resident enjoying a tipple of Guinness
Residents getting into the party spirit at Inglefield House
Residents at Hartwell Lodge and The Firs celebrating in style
A TOUCH OF THE COAST: SENSORY SEASIDE FUN AT
HARTWELL LODGE
Hartwell Lodge recently hosted a wonderful Beach Sensory Activity, bring the seaside indoors and engage residents in a calming, multi-sensory experience.
The activity encouraged residents to explore the natural textures and sounds of the beach – from feeling soft sand and sifting through seashells, to listening to the soothing sounds of waves and gulls It proved to be a fantastic way to stimulate the senses while promoting mindfulness, relaxation, and creativity
The experience also opened up a wave of conversation, as residents began reminiscing about their own seaside adventures The familiar sights, sounds, and textures of the beach triggered heart-warming memories of days spent by the water – eating salt and vinegardrenched chips, dodging hungry seagulls, exploring rock pools, chasing crabs, and enjoying picnics with sand-speckled sandwiches
Stories of family holidays, childhood games, honeymoons, and peaceful moments by the shore flowed naturally, creating a beautiful sense of connection among everyone taking part. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and the warmth of shared storytelling.
Sensory activities like this are an important part of our care at all our Buckland Care homes, helping to stimulate memory, encourage engagement, and support overall wellbeing.
DEMENTIA CHOIR BRINGS MUSIC AND JOY TO INGLEFIELD RESIDENTS
Residents at Inglefield thoroughly enjoyed a heart-warming session with the Dementia Choir
The room was filled with music, movement, and laughter as familiar songs sparked smiles, toetapping, and even some impromptu sing-alongs! Music is a powerful way to connect, and sessions like these lift spirits, encourage interaction, and bring back fond memories.
Scan the QR code to see our residents getting involved and sharing in the joy of the moment.
Scan to watch full video
BUCKLAND CARE NAMED ONE OF THE UK’S TOP 20 CARE HOME GROUPS FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING
We are thrilled to share that Buckland Care has once again been recognised as one of the Top 20 Mid-Size Care Home Groups in the UK for 2025 by carehomecouk This marks our second consecutive year receiving this prestigious award – a true reflection of the dedication, compassion, and excellence shown across all of our care homes
The carehomecouk Top 20 Awards are based on independent reviews from residents, their families, and friends, which makes this recognition especially meaningful It’s a testament to the incredible work of our care teams, who go above and beyond every day to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for those we care for
Liana Birkett, Director of Buckland Care, shared: “Being named in the Top 20 for the second year running is a tremendous achievement. This award is special because it is based on the voices of our residents and their families. It speaks to the kindness, expertise, and dedication of our incredible teams, who work tirelessly to provide outstanding care and a true sense of home. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in making Buckland Care such a wonderful place to live and work.”
Celebrating excellence: The Firs team with their award
Smiles all around as Mulberry House is named among the UK’s top care homes
Staff and residents at West Bank proudly display their Top 20 Care Home Award
Inglefield House celebrates being named one of the UK’s best care homes
A VISIT FROM SOME VERY SPECIAL GUESTS AT WEST BANK
There was plenty of excitement at West Bank recently when some rather adorable visitors came to say hello – two alpacas and a pygmy goat!
The lovely team from Tony’s Mobile Farm brought the animals in for a delightful visit that delighted both residents and staff alike. With their soft coats, gentle eyes and calm natures, the alpacas were an instant hit – many of our residents had the chance to stroke and feed them, and there were plenty of smiles and cuddles to go around.
Not to be outdone, the pygmy goat was full of character and made sure to charm everyone he met. These kinds of visits are a fantastic way to bring happiness, comfort, and something a little different to the day
One resident shared how much it meant to them, saying: “I really enjoyed it I was surprised how soft the alpacas were and it was lovely being able to stroke them”
Animal visits like this can bring a great sense of wellbeing, inspire conversation, and create new memories for everyone involved A huge thank you to Tony’s Mobile Farm for such a special experience – we’re already looking forward to the next visit!
EASTER WORD SEARCH
A beaming smile from a West Bank resident as they feed an alpaca
TEA, CRUMPETS… AND A FIREMAN! A SURPRISE
AFTERNOON AT WILLOW BANK
Willow Bank recently treated residents, their daughters, and staff to an unforgettable "Tea & Crumpets" event – complete with a surprise visit from a fireman-themed entertainer.
The unexpected guest brought an extra sparkle to the afternoon, adding laughter, excitement and a touch of cheeky fun to the traditional tea. Residents and their loved ones were delighted, with smiles and laughter echoing through the home.
Activities Lead Paul said, "We always aim to create moments of joy and connection at Willow Bank, and this event certainly did that! Our residents love a bit of fun, and this gave them something completely different to talk about – we're still hearing about it at breakfast!"
Making the day even more special, several daughters joined their mums for the occasion, sharing giggles, tea, and a few blushing smiles It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of family, fun and making lasting memories together
At Willow Bank, it’s not just about providing excellent care – it’s about creating a vibrant and engaging environment where every day offers something to smile about Whether it’s music, crafts, or the occasional surprise guest in red braces, the team is always thinking of new ways to lift spirits and make life that little bit more special
MEMORY LANE MAGIC: A HEARTFELT PROJECT AT INGLEFIELD
At Buckland Care, we encourage every department to get involved in different aspects of our homes, we believe they play a vital role in making our homes special and Denise at Inglefield House is a perfect example of that.
Denise, Head of Housekeeping, has gone above and beyond by transforming the middle-to-wing corridor into a beautiful Memory Lane. Featuring a dementiafriendly sensory area and her own handmade jewellery art, it’s a space that brings comfort, conversation, and joy to all who visit Denise shared:
“I’m so lucky to work here and to be able to create this I added a little bit today and had some help from Andy, our maintenance man”
A little preview of Inglefield’s Memory Lane
A huge thank you to Denise and to all our amazing team members who make Buckland Care homes feel like one big family
Surprise and smiles all round – our entertainer brought laughter and happiness to residents, staff and visiting family at Willow Bank
A special moment shared between mother and daughter during the surprise performance
STEPPING OUT IN STYLE – KINGLAND HOUSE VISITS THE TEA DANCE AT BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION
Residents from Kingland House recently enjoyed not one, but two fantastic outings to the muchloved Bournemouth Pavilion Tea Dance – and what a treat it was!
First, it was the turn of our wonderful gents, who had a lovely afternoon watching the dancers gracefully glide across the floor With a warm cup of tea or coffee in hand and a slice of cake to enjoy, they soaked up the elegant atmosphere, tapping their toes along to the music
The experience was such a hit that just a few weeks later, it was time for our ladies to don their best smiles and head to the Pavilion for a turn!
Surrounded by the charm of live music and the soft clink of teacups, they too revelled in the lively atmosphere – with plenty of chatter, cake, and a touch of dancing magic.
To top it all off, everyone was delighted to spot a replica of the iconic car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – a nostalgic surprise that brought back wonderful memories and led to plenty of conversation
At Kingland House, we’re passionate about making every day meaningful Whether it’s a scenic trip out, a musical moment, or a shared slice of cake, it’s these experiences that bring happiness, connection, and plenty of smiles
KINGLAND HOUSE CELEBRATES CQC SUCCESS
We’re thrilled to share that Kingland House has been rated ‘Good’ in both Well-led and Safe following our latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) These 'Good' areas mean we proudly retain our overall ‘Good’ rating a reflection of the consistent, high-quality care we deliver every day
Residents and families continue to praise the warm and compassionate care we provide. One resident shared, “They try to make the residents’ lives better here; they are excellent,” while a family member described it as, “like going home to family”
Registered Manager Tracy Waite said, “This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication. We’re so proud and excited to keep building on this success”
Celebrating success – the Kingland
team proudly marking their CQC rating with smiles, balloons and a whole lot of team spirit!
The dancefloor in full swing at the Bournemouth Pavilion – a joyful afternoon of music, movement and memories
Smiles all around – a lovely moment shared between resident and staff during the tea dance outing
House
100 YEARS YOUNG: BARBARA BOBBY’S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
Barbara ‘Bobby’ Blatchford, a much-loved resident at Mulberry House, recently celebrated her incredible 100th birthday!
Born in Plymouth in 1925, Bobby joined the Women’s Air Force at 17 during WWII, helping track enemy aircraft from Exeter Airport. Her dedication earned her the nickname ‘Bobby’, and she’s kept that spirit ever since
She married Don in 1948, and they shared 73 happy years together Bobby is now a proud mum, grandma, and great-grandma, with a life full of volunteering, travel, and adventure including skiing in her 60s and visiting the Taj Mahal at 80! Bobby says her secret to a long life is “good food, staying active, family, friends, faith and a little wine or Baileys now and then!”
We were so proud to celebrate this special milestone with her Happy 100th, Bobby!
BRUNSWICK HOUSE CELEBRATES THE MAGIC OF READING ON WORLD BOOK DAY
Brunswick House was full of imagination, laughter, and a touch of magic as residents and staff celebrated World Book Day in style!
Everyone embraced the spirit of the day, with both residents and team members dressing up as their favourite book characters from fairy tale classics to childhood heroes. The home was alive with colour and creativity, and there were plenty of smiles (and giggles!) as everyone struck a pose for the camera in their brilliant costumes.
The fun didn’t stop there. Residents gathered for a cosy storytelling session, where familiar tales were brought to life through animated readings, fond memories, and lively conversation From much-loved novels to funny short stories, it was a heartwarming reminder of the power of books to connect, entertain, and inspire
World Book Day at Brunswick House wasn’t just about dressing up it was about celebrating imagination and bringing people together through the stories that shape us
Staff and residents bringing book characters to life
KNITTED HATS, HOMEMADE CAKE AND GOOD COMPANY
–
A VISIT TO WROUGHTON COUNTRY MARKET
Residents from The Orchards enjoyed a delightful trip to the Wroughton Country Market, where the scent of freshly baked treats, the buzz of friendly conversation, and the charm of local handmade goods made for a truly special experience.
This much-loved community market, run by a team of passionate volunteers, showcases a wonderful range of homemade, homegrown and handcrafted items – from preserves and cakes to knitwear and fresh produce It was the perfect setting for our residents to enjoy a cup of tea, indulge in some cake, and soak up the friendly village atmosphere
MOVE, SING, SMILE!
Exercise and sing-song time are a regular part of daily life at Woodland Court – and for good reason!
Keeping our bodies moving helps with strength, balance and independence, while music is known to lift moods, bring back memories and bring people together These lively sessions are more than just fun – they’re an important part of staying well in body and mind
It’s a time our residents really look forward to, filled with laughter, energy and connection
A lovely moment from the visit was when resident Mary had a beautiful hat knitted for her by one of the local makers at the market – and she absolutely loves it! This made the outing even more memorable
At Buckland Care, we value the power of community, meaningful experiences, and supporting local wherever we can These values are reflected across all of our homes – where outings like this one not only bring happiness to our residents, but also help strengthen the connections between our homes and the communities around them.
Mary looking lovely in her brand-new knitted hat
Residents enjoying a cosy catch-up over tea and homemade cakes – the perfect way to spend a visit to Wroughton Country Market
Hands in the air and smiles all around! Woodland Court residents enjoying their morning movement session
LODGE
INGREDIENTS
300g malted milk or digestive biscuits
150g unsalted butter
500g full fat cream cheese
80g icing sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
300ml double cream
150g good quality milk chocolate, chopped into very small pieces
300g mini eggs, crushed
FOR THE DECORATION:
150ml double cream
150g milk chocolate, chopped (we use a bar of Cadbury mini egg chocolate)
about 200g mini eggs (or as many as you like!)
METHOD
STEP 1: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over a low heat
STEP 2: Crush the biscuits as finely as possible by hand (I use a large bowl and a rolling pin) or in a food processor Mix the butter with the crushed biscuits
STEP 3: Spoon the crushed biscuits into a 20cm springform tin Using the back of the spoon, press the biscuits into the base as evenly as possible Place in the fridge while you make the base
STEP 4: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and icing sugar together until smooth Stir in the vanilla extract
STEP 5: In a separate bowl, whip the double cream to soft peaks Fold the cream into the cream cheese mixture, then fold in the crushed mini eggs and chopped chocolate.
STEP 6: Pour the mixture into the lined tin. Level the base, then cover the top with cling film and refrigerate for eight hours or until the cheesecake has set. I usually leave them in the fridge overnight.
STEP 7: Unclip the tin and carefully release the cheesecake. I run a small palette knife around the edges to ensure it doesn't stick. Place the cheesecake on a serving plate.
STEP 8: To decorate, whip the double cream in a medium bowl to soft peaks. Place the cream in a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle Pipe the cream around the edges of the cheesecake, then cover the top with crushed or whole mini eggs
WILLOW BANK’S 11 HOUR SINGATHON: A DAY OF MUSIC, MEMORIES AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Music has the power to stir the soul, spark a memory, and bring people together - and this May, it’s doing just that
Willow Bank Is hosting its very first Singathon, a full 11 hours of non-stop live music to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK From 9am until 8pm on Thursday, 22nd May, 11 generous performers will each take to the stage (virtually speaking!) - giving up their time, energy, and vocal cords for a cause close to all our hearts.
Whether you’re singing along in your kitchen, watching from your care home lounge, or tuning in during your tea break, we’d love for you to be part of this very special day. The event will be streamed online, so anyone, anywhere can join in the fun All you need to do is scan the QR code on the day - but please make your donation first via our JustGiving page Every penny goes directly to Alzheimer’s Research UK, and every voice raised helps us edge closer to a future free from dementia
Why are we doing it? Because music matters And because behind every note, there’s a story Many of us have seen the way a familiar tune can light up the eyes of someone living with dementia This Singathon is our way of saying: we see you, we care, and we’re doing something about it
UPCOMING EVENTS
HOP INTO EASTER FUN!
Easter is just around the corner, and our homes are getting ready to celebrate with some egg-cellent events for residents, their families, staff and little visitors!
From pony visits to Easter egg hunts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here's what's coming up:
�� Lollipop Ponies Return
Willow Bank
Thursday 17th April
The adorable Lollipop Ponies are back – this time dressed in their best bonnets and Easter outfits! A magical visit sure to bring joy, cuddles and big smiles to all
�� Easter Party & Egg Decorating
Kingland House
Friday 18th April
We’re getting creative with an Easter egg decorating competition, followed by a cheerful Easter party Expect plenty of colour, laughter, and a little friendly competition
�� Easter Egg Hunt
Hartwell Lodge
Sunday 20th April, 2:30–3:30pm
Join us for a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt open to residents, staff, their children and loved ones A lovely chance to come together and enjoy the spring sunshine (and maybe a few chocolate treats too)!
TOJOIN